I used to think that anything in this gloupy style with multi colors was Czech (Chrbska) but I have now seen examples with Murano labels. With this one, because you mention the quality of the clear crystal, I'm thinking maybe VSL or another of the lesser known but quality Belgian or French companies. Hopefully Ivo will have some ideas for you.

Ivo had previously suggested thses companies for good quality 70's crystal :Art Vannes, Bayel, Boussu in addition to VSL non of which would normally be marked.However he was not necessarily refering to this style of glass.

Any thoughts on this one Ivo ? (in case you missed this thread ....easy to do with the board being so busy these days)

VSL is not automatically marked or stamped. There are certain lines which were consistently engraved, but I've handled really large cut glass and gilt pieces (several kilos of ugliness) that had not a scratch of marking I've never seen any of the lumpy fifties items signed.I would think VSL is a most likely candidate, but I would not rule out Boussu either - the piece looks as Belgian as could be. And if you ask me am I sure, no I'm not - I've seen things like that produced in Murano, in Austria and in Canada - take your pick.The French (Art Vannes, Bayel) were more consistent in acid stamping the production but a lot of it left the factories unmarked. They're also less likely to use multiple colours - i think.

Amazing how one thing leads to another. I saw this pc. about two weeks ago at an auction and couldn't stay. Some friends bid for me and managed to get it. I just received it from them yesterday and on the bottom is a shield with Bayel France and a champagne glass. Until I saw the mark I had never heard of Bayel and here we are, discussing it and I have a piece at hand. Without the mark, my thoughts would have run to murano, or chalet. The clarity of the clear glass on both pcs. is outstanding. Terry http://tinypic.com/debrbd.jpg

The above was posted in a dash as is usual with me and I missed the opportunity to thank Ivo and Marcus for some great information. The things I am learning about European glass here I know I could never get from any book. Thanks Terry

Sklounion

Much of what we know is dug, mined for. Ivo and I, I'd like to think, have good knowledge and experience. Sure, everyday, something else turns up, and we have to revise. Ivo is the master, me a one area specialist, but more often than not, what we know is complimentary, not diametrically opposed.

Sklounion

VSL is not automatically marked or stamped. There are certain lines which were consistently engraved,

I don't have a problem with this observation, and my comments should in NO way be construed as one expert opposing another...... my observation is solely with regard to Bayel and Vannes, as I see them here, and now, in the French second-user market. I am not a french glass expert, merely making an observation of what brocantes/vide-greniers have offered consistently for the last 18 months.Le Casson[/quote]